"It really is exciting the world and reinvigorating the debate about the ways to reduce harm from tobacco.

"We have countries from Norway and Uruguay, through to France and South Africa and the US, even New York mayor [Michael] Bloomberg, all interested in what we're doing.

"I think the number of times that there was spontaneous applause when we were presenting this at different forums is an indication that our presentation and our action is striking a chord with other countries and making them look again at what they might be able to do in their own country."

Ms Roxon says there was some sense that other countries are waiting to see how the Australian Government survives the battle with big tobacco before they act.

But she says it helped that she was able to meet officials from countries being sued by tobacco countries.

"We know that this is the way tobacco companies operate, it's their usual course of business, and they sue countries and are currently doing it right now as we speak for introducing measures that we've had in Australia for many decades," she said.

"I don't think we should be scared off by threats of legal action.

"It was good to be able to compare stories for countries that are also being courageous in tackling tobacco, and we know that lawsuits is part of it.

"Some countries are watching and waiting, others are ready to take this action irrespective of what might happen in the courts."